A practical guide to traveling in Vietnam

The frenetic pace of Vietnam’s cities combined with the cultural nuances of this Southeast Asian country can be a lot for travellers to take in. Yet it’s not a difficult place to navigate — as long as you do a bit of forward planning. Transport is visitor-friendly and plentiful, and locals are usually happy to help travellers get their bearings. Follow their lead, and you’ll soon catch your stride.

Is the language barrier significant?

Many Vietnamese people speak at least some English, particularly in big cities, but this becomes less so the further you get into the countryside. Due to past colonial influence, English and French are more widely spoken in the south than the north, but people who work in traveller-facing businesses are likely to speak a decent level of English. Wherever you go, locals will appreciate you making the effort to learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese — translation apps help a lot, too.

Is the street food safe?

Joining the locals at road-side restaurants or stalls is one of the country’s great joys. The food hygiene and cleanliness of street stalls can be a worry, but most visitors don’t experience any major problems as long as they stick to some general principles. Choose stalls that are busy, which guarantees turnover of ingredients, and pick those busy with locals. Ice in drinks is usually made from bottled water (ask, if in doubt), but salads can be washed in tap water so are best avoided.

Is it safe to travel by motorbike & what are the most scenic routes?

Vietnam is magnificent motorbike touring country, but longer journeys are best left to experienced drivers. Hai Van Pass, between Da Nang and Hue, is one of the best. The four-day Ha Giang Loop in the far north of Vietnam is another highlight. It’s very easy to hire motorbikes across Vietnam, even without any paperwork, but legally you need an international driving permit. Travellers often get stopped by the police and fined (or bribed) for not having the correct documents.

In towns and cities, motorbike taxis are a common way to get around. You’ll likely be offered lifts on an ad hoc basis, but you may prefer to order a motorbike taxi through an app such as Grab, whose drivers have to provide passengers with a helmet.

Are there any cultural sensitivities I should be aware of?

Vietnamese people dress conservatively, with both men and women generally covering their shoulders and knees, often wearing long sleeves and trousers regardless of the heat. Outside of tourist resorts, men should avoid walking around topless and women should avoid revealing clothing. Shoes should always be removed before entering temples or homes and public outbursts or arguments should be avoided at all costs. Saving face is a powerful concept here, and losing your cool in public is deemed extremely embarrassing for everyone.